The mode of interaction is totally different in person. In a text discussion I can skim through several pages and find a point that resonates, then respond with

The mode of interaction is totally different in person. In a text discussion I can skim through several pages and find a point that resonates, then respond with something topical/helpful. In person, you're limited to a single stream of conversation (maybe more if you walk around), there's not the same 'wide area scanning' mechanism.